King James Version
What Does Joshua 17:7 Mean?
“And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah.”
Joshua 17:7 · KJV
Context
5
And there fell ten portions to Manasseh, beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side Jordan;
6
Because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons: and the rest of Manasseh's sons had the land of Gilead.
7
And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem; and the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of Entappuah.
8
Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah: but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim;
9
And the coast descended unto the river Kanah, southward of the river: these cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh: the coast of Manasseh also was on the north side of the river, and the outgoings of it were at the sea: river Kanah: or, brook of reeds
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd the coast of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethah, that lieth before Shechem—The Hebrew gevul (גְּבוּל, "coast" or "boundary") begins the detailed description of Manasseh's western territory. The boundary ran from the territory of Asher (to the north) southward to Michmethah, an otherwise unknown site near Shechem. Shechem itself was one of Canaan's most ancient and important cities, site of Abraham's first altar (Genesis 12:6), Jacob's land purchase (Genesis 33:18-19), and later the covenant renewal ceremony (Joshua 24).
And the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of En-tappuah—The phrase al-yamin (עַל־יָמִין, "on the right hand") indicates southward direction (since Israelites oriented themselves facing east, right hand pointed south). En-tappuah means "spring of the apple" or "spring of Tappuah," indicating a settlement built around a water source. Precise boundary descriptions demonstrate that covenant promises involved specific, verifiable geography—faith was not divorced from historical and physical reality but grounded in it.
And the border went along on the right hand unto the inhabitants of En-tappuah—The phrase al-yamin (עַל־יָמִין, "on the right hand") indicates southward direction (since Israelites oriented themselves facing east, right hand pointed south). En-tappuah means "spring of the apple" or "spring of Tappuah," indicating a settlement built around a water source. Precise boundary descriptions demonstrate that covenant promises involved specific, verifiable geography—faith was not divorced from historical and physical reality but grounded in it.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Shechem, modern Tell Balata, has been extensively excavated, revealing continuous occupation from the Bronze Age through the Roman period. The site sits in a strategic mountain pass between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, controlling north-south travel through central Canaan. Archaeological evidence shows Shechem was a major Canaanite city-state during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages, with massive fortifications. Its inclusion in Manasseh's territory fulfilled Jacob's specific bequest to Joseph (Genesis 48:22). The city became Manasseh's most important urban center and served as Israel's first capital before Jerusalem. The detailed boundary descriptions in Joshua 13-21 show sophisticated geographical knowledge and careful record-keeping, similar to Egyptian and Hittite boundary inscriptions.
Reflection Questions
- How does the specificity of these boundary descriptions demonstrate that God's promises are concrete and verifiable, not vague spiritual abstractions?
- What spiritual boundaries has God established in your life that require the same careful attention to detail and precision as these geographical borders?
- How does Shechem's prominence in redemptive history (from Abraham to Joshua 24) illustrate God's long-term faithfulness across generations?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 17 wordsוַיְהִ֤י1 of 17
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הַגְּבוּל֙2 of 17
“And the coast”
H1366properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
מְנַשֶּׁה֙3 of 17
“of Manasseh”
H4519menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מֵֽאָשֵׁ֔ר4 of 17
“was from Asher”
H836asher, a son of jacob, and the tribe descended from him, with its territory; also a place in palestine
אֲשֶׁ֖ר6 of 17
H834who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל7 of 17
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵ֣י8 of 17
“that lieth before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְהָלַ֤ךְ10 of 17
“went along”
H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
הַגְּבוּל֙11 of 17
“And the coast”
H1366properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
הַיָּמִ֔ין13 of 17
“on the right hand”
H3225the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
יֹֽשְׁבֵ֖י15 of 17
“unto the inhabitants”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עֵ֥ין16 of 17
H0Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Joshua. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Joshua 17:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Joshua 17:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge